Dental Disease in Dogs

1. Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions in dogs, with over 80% of dogs over three having it.¹
2. Dental disease in dogs is more common in small dog breeds, like Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds. It’s also more common in brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds, such as Boxers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus.² This is generally thought to be due to overcrowding of teeth and sometimes abnormal position of teeth in dogs with smaller/shorter jaws.
3. Dogs are prone to fractured teeth due to their love of chewing. They’re also prone to periodontal disease, an infection of the tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. Other forms of dental disease in dogs include gingivitis, abscesses, and plaque and tartar buildup.³

Dental Disease in Cats

1. As many as 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease by the time they’re just two years old.¹
2. Due to genetics, dental disease in cats is more common in certain breeds over others, including Abyssinians, Maine Coons, Persians, and Somalis.⁴ Brachycephalic cat breeds like Persians, Himalayans, and Burmese are also more prone to dental disease like their canine counterparts.
3. For cats, the three most common dental diseases are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption (a painful condition where the dentin of the tooth erodes and eventually is destroyed).⁴
4. As carnivores, cats’ teeth were developed to chew prey which helped keep them clean, and this cleaning action is not provided by typical present-day cat food diets, which can contribute to dental problems.⁴

Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

1. Knowing the signs of dental disease can help you get your pet the attention they deserve.

• Bad breath

  • Red and/or swollen gums
  • Yellow or brown buildup (tartar)
• Loose or missing teeth
• Dropping food
• Difficulty chewing
• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth

Signs of dental disease are similar in dogs and cats. While dogs may display obvious signs of pain, cats are good at hiding signs of illness.

Treatment and Prevention of Dental Disease in Pets

1. Treatment of dental disease must be done by a veterinarian. Treatment depends on the type and severity, but usually includes:
2. A regular dental cleaning by a veterinarian is incredibly beneficial to preventing dental disease. The average cost of this cleaning can range between $50 and $300 but varies based on your location and pet size.⁵

• An oral assessment, including a physical exam, bloodwork, and dental x-rays.
• Scaling and polishing the teeth by removing plaque and tartar and then smoothing microscopic scratches to prevent future buildup
• Antibiotics for existing infections
• Tooth extractions when necessary
• Root canal (in severe cases)

Prevention can also be done at home with regular teeth brushing (with special toothpaste), dental chews designed to minimize tartar buildup, water additives, and special diets. 

When considering how to best care for your pet’s teeth, keep in mind that dental disease can cause painful issues in your pet’s oral cavity and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys.⁶ 

The best thing you can do for your dog or cat’s dental health is being proactive and prevent dental disease before it ever starts.